Mapping Heat Resistance in YeastsIn a proof-of-concept study, researchers demonstrated that a new genetic mapping strategy called RH-Seq can identify genes that promote heat resistance in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, allowing this species to grow better than its closest relative S. paradoxus at high temperatures.

First Monoploid Reference Sequence of SugarcaneFor the highly polyploid sugarcane, an international team of researchers has successfully assembled a first monoploid reference sequence using a targeted approach that focused on the gene rich part of the genome by harnessing information from a sequenced related species – sorghum.

Defining a Pan-Genome for Antarctic ArchaeaSome Antarctic lakes have salinities 10 times that of seawater. By collecting and sequencing dominant haloarchaeal sequences from six hypersaline lakes, researchers focused on understanding the genomic variation in haloarchaea across East Antarctica.

Methane Flux in the AmazonWetlands are the single largest global source of atmospheric methane. This project aims to integrate microbial and tree genetic characteristics to measure and understand methane emissions at the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Insights into Functional Diversity in NeurosporaThis proposal investigates the genetic bases of fungal thermophily, biomass-degradation, and fungal-bacterial interactions in Sordariales, an order of biomass-degrading fungi frequently encountered in compost and encompassing one of the few groups of thermophilic fungi.

Mining IMG/M for CRISPR-Associated ProteinsResearchers report the discovery of miniature CRISPR-associated proteins that can target single-stranded DNA. The discovery was made possible by mining the datasets in the Integrated Microbial Genomes and Microbiomes (IMG/M) suite of tools managed by the JGI. The sequences were then biochemically characterized by a team led by Jennifer Doudna’s group at UC Berkeley.

DAS Tool for Genome Reconstruction from MetagenomesThrough the JGI’s Emerging Technologies Opportunity Program (ETOP), researchers have developed and improved upon a tool that combines existing DNA sequence binning algorithms, allowing them to reconstruct more near-complete genomes from soil metagenomes compared to other methods. The work was published in Nature Microbiology.

Preparing for a Sequence Data DelugeThe approved CSP 2019 proposals leverage new capabilities and higher throughput in DNA sequencing, synthesis and metabolomics. Additionally, just over half of the accepted proposals come from primary investigators who have never led any previously accepted JGI proposal.

Innovative Technology Improves Our Understanding of Bacterial Cell SignalingCyclic di-GMP (Guanine Monophosphate) is found in nearly all types of bacteria and interacts with cell signaling networks that control many basic cellular functions. To better understand the dynamics of this molecule, researchers developed the first chemiluminescent biosensors for measuring cyclic di-GMP in bacteria through work enabled by the JGI’s Community Science Program (CSP).

Hidden Giants in Forest SoilsIn Nature Communications, giant virus genomes have been discovered for the first time in a forest soil ecosystem by JGI and University of Massachusetts-Amherst researchers. Most of the genomes were uncovered using a "mini-metagenomics" approach that reduced the complexity of the soil microbial communities sequenced and analyzed.

Symbiosis a Driver of Truffle DiversityTruffles are the fruiting bodies of the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal symbionts residing on host plant roots. In Nature Ecology & Evolution, an international team sought insights into the ECM lifestyle of truffle-forming species. They conducted a comparative analysis of eight Pezizomycete fungi, including four species prized as delicacies.

Expanding Fungal Diversity, One Cell at a TimeIn Nature Microbiology, a team led by JGI researchers has developed a pipeline to generate genomes from single cells of uncultivated fungi. The approach was tested on several uncultivated fungal species representing early diverging fungi.

DOE-funded researchers develop a new process for annotating cellulose-degrading enzymes. The Science: Researchers at two Department of Energy-funded Scientific User Facilities collaborated with one of three Bioenergy Research Centers to develop and analyze high-resolution crystal structures of an enzyme from the cellulose-degrading GH55 family. They then went further and were able to apply a variety… [Read More]

DOE JGI researchers sequenced and analyzed a cyanobacterium with known nitrogen-fixing capabilities. The Science: Researchers sequenced and analyzed the uncommonly large genome of a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterial strain, comparing it to the more than 150 extant cyanobacterial genomes. The Impact: Unlike many of the existing cyanobacterial genome sequences, the genome of Trichodesmium erythaeum IMS 101 is… [Read More]

DOE JGI researchers have developed an assembly and mapping strategy for any species, including large and complex genomes. The Science: Through a combination of high-throughput sequencing, high performance computing, and genetic mapping, DOE JGI researchers have derived a sequence assembly for the highly repetitive plant genome of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The Impact: The researchers… [Read More]

DOE JGI is enabling collaborators to develop a universally applicable technique for studying microbial metabolic activities. The Science: A team led by University of Vienna researchers has developed a way to identify and sort single microbial cells through a probe-independent process that uses heavy water (laced with deuterium) which is then incorporated into mostly lipids… [Read More]

A comparative fungal genome analysis could help bioenergy researchers develop disease-resistant poplar plantations. The Science: A team including DOE JGI researchers conducted a comparative analysis of two fungal tree pathogens to find out how one of them has gained the capability to significantly damage hybrid poplar plantations. The Impact: The development of poplar plantations for… [Read More]

DOE JGI researchers describe the current challenges in single-cell genomics. The Science: DOE JGI researchers review the status of single-cell genomics, and how close scientists are to being able to reconstruct an individual cell’s genome. The Impact: As an alternative method of studying microbial communities, single-cell genomics allows researchers to link function to phylogeny without… [Read More]

DOE JGI, JBEI researchers collaborate on improving terpene production in E. coli. Science: Researchers from the DOE JGI and the Joint Bioenergy Institute identified genes in an E. coli microbial metabolism pathway that could improve the production of terpenes. The Impact: Terpenes are high-energy compounds produced in microbes and plants that could be used for… [Read More]

Unlike many other white rot fungi, P. gigantea prefers to colonize freshly-harvested wood. The Science: Researchers sequenced and analyzed the white rot fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea, which can break down fresh-cut conifer sapwood. They also sequenced and analyzed the set of P. gigantea’s secreted proteins (secretome) and the set of all of its RNA molecules (transcriptome)…. [Read More]

Genetic maps improve the reference genome assembly of the candidate bioenergy feedstock The Science: A team of French researchers developed an array that allowed them to produce high-resolution genetic maps of two eucalyptus species that they then compared to the reference genome of eucalyptus produced by a team including DOE JGI researchers. The Impact: The… [Read More]

Three publications are featured in the Special 10th Anniversary issue. The Science: To mark its 10th anniversary, the journal Nature Methods released a Special Issue highlighting impactful articles. Among these noteworthy articles are three from DOE JGI researchers. The Impact: Microbial Sequencing is one of the areas of methods development highlighted by the journal, and… [Read More]